AYNUK ‘n’ AYLI WORKINGS IN BRISTOL – JANUARY 2009
The Brilliant Masons of Bristol
The Black Country Heritage Lodge Demonstration Team has travelled the country with its unique demonstration, but Team Members had good reason to be apprehensive about the demonstration in January 2009, the Bristol Masonic Society, those proud guardians of the historical Bristol workings. These Bristol lads take their Freemasonry seriously. Could it be that on this occasions we might overstep the mark and overstay our welcome?
Avoiding Pitfalls Through Strategic Planning
Bro. Malcolm Cresswell who runs team said that in view of the serious concern of the team members as to whether the demonstration might be a delight or disaster, he considered strategic planning to be the order of the day. He therefore instructed the coach driver to park right outside the Temple entrance with its engine running.
Building Team Confidence
As the Demonstration Team prepared to march into their magnificent Number One Masonic temple where masons flock from all over the world to see the legendary Bristol workings, the W.M. Bro. Frank Pressdee inspired confidence in his officers, assuring them that nothing could possible go wrong because they did not understand a single word we were saying. Immediately upon occupying his chair, however, The President proceeded to put Bro. Frank at ease by pointing out the interpreter brought down from the Black Country, pen and clip board at the ready. He further assured Bro. Frank that they were doing an audio recording of the entire ceremony and their photographer was on hand to produce a photographic sequence of events. We understand Bro. Frank is recovering well.
Exercising Caution By Modest Demeanour
In view of the apparent seriousness which Bristol Masons take their ceremonies, team members were advised on good authority to ‘tone things down’ on the night and not say or do anything that might offend their hosts or unduly concern eminent brethren present. Consequently the first words out of the mouth of Lodge Overseer Bro. Keith Quinton were his immortal comments ‘If yoe dow enjoy thee-selves, its yer own fault! Inspired by these remarks, the irrepressible Bro. Paddy Lennon immediately proceeded to lead the PGM, Rt W.Bro Mike Flynn on to the floor, requesting that he prove himself to the brethren by reciting his obligation as a mason. Fortunately for Bro Maurice Long, his animated rendition of ‘Oh heaven help us all’ was interpreted as a dramatic ceremonial intervention. Bro. Malcolm Cresswell was seen to be listening intently to hear if the coach engine was running!
Historic comparison
The PGM then entered into the spirit of the occasion and with his white apron, cap and muffler, brought the house down with his portion of the walking charge.
In Summary
It was a most successful evening both for our hosts and the team itself, who were able to relax at the festive board in the knowledge they had brought fun and laughter into the Bristol Lodge which was accepted in the spirit intended and was another fine example of our Black Country ‘missionary work’ for the benefit of freemasonry in general and Aynuk ‘n’ Ayli in particular.
